JP6746545B2 - Image forming device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus in which an operator can replace a fixing device.

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, an image forming apparatus called an MFP (Multi Function Printer) having functions such as a printer, a scanner, and a facsimile has been widely used. In some of such image forming apparatuses, a plurality of types of fixing devices can be attached and detached.

The following two points can be mentioned for the purpose of detachably attaching a plurality of types of fixing devices to the image forming apparatus. The first is to use an optimum fixing device according to the type of paper. An example of using an optimum fixing device according to the type of paper is printing on a special paper such as an envelope. Since the envelope is made by folding the paper and pasting the edges of the paper together, an ordinary fixing device (hereinafter referred to as a normal fixing device) used for paper of a general thickness corresponding to the image forming apparatus is used. When printing is performed, when the envelope passes through the fixing device, the glued portion may be displaced and a fold may occur on the envelope.

In order to prevent such a phenomenon, for example, a fixing device dedicated to an envelope (hereinafter referred to as an envelope fixing device) is prepared. In the envelope fixing device, the holding pressure with respect to the sheet passing through the fixing device is set to be low, so that the envelope is not folded.

The second reason is that the operation of the image forming apparatus is not stopped due to a problem (for example, a defect) of the fixing device. In the market for printing a large number of pages or a large number of copies, it is required to print by the deadline requested by the customer. Therefore, even when the life of the consumable parts has expired or a problem has occurred in the fixing device, it is possible to recover the life in a short time by replacing the fixing device. Therefore, the operator prepares a plurality of fixing devices at the operating site of the image forming apparatus to operate the image forming apparatus.

As described above, in the print-on-demand market in which the operator is resident, the image forming apparatus includes a plurality of fixing devices, and when a failure occurs, the fixing devices are switched and used. In such an environment, there is, for example, an image forming apparatus that corrects a difference in tint that occurs in each fixing device (see Patent Document 1). Here, the type of the fixing device is identified, the gamma correction chart of the fixing device is read, and the gamma correction is performed on the image data. Then, in the print-on-demand market in which a plurality of fixing devices are exchanged for operation, it is effective to identify the fixing devices and perform correction according to their characteristics.

JP, 2013-088863, A

As described above, in the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1, correction data is prepared for each fixing device, and the tint is adjusted according to the fixing device. However, in the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1, the effect of tint due to the relationship between the fixing device and the paper is not considered.

As described above, when printing on the envelope, it is necessary to mount the envelope fixing device on the image forming apparatus in order to prevent the folds generated in the envelope. However, in the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1, it is possible to confirm whether or not the type of paper corresponding to the print job is the same as the type of paper assigned to the fixing device attached to the image forming apparatus. Can not. As a result, appropriate printing may not be possible depending on the paper.

Further, depending on the operator, the fixing device may be selectively used for each paper size and each paper size series. Here, even when a normal fixing device is used, when printing is continuously performed on paper of the same size, scratches (edge scratches) that cause uneven output may occur on the fixing roller.

Therefore, when a paper larger than the size of the repeated printing passes through the fixing device that repeatedly prints on the same size of paper, the output unevenness may occur on the output paper of the size of the repeated printing. is there.

In order to avoid creases in the envelope and uneven output due to paper size during printing, it is necessary to select a fixing device suitable for the type and size of paper in the print job, as described above. However, in the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1, printing is performed without considering the operation of the fixing device according to the type and size of the paper, and as a result, the gloss is low, the toner has a weak edge, and the output unevenness occurs. Will be generated in the output.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus which can be used by exchanging a fixing unit according to a recording material on which an image is formed and which can meet various demands of an operator regarding a job execution sequence. Especially.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention records an image formed by the image forming unit on a recording material in response to a job input, and an image formed by the image forming unit in a first type of recording. A fixing unit having a first attribute for fixing to a material and a fixing unit having a second attribute for fixing an image formed by the image forming unit to a recording material of a second type different from the first type. Based on the mounting portion to which any one of the plurality of fixing portions including the fixing portion is removably mounted, the attribute of the fixing portion mounted to the mounting portion, and the type of recording material used in the job. And a control unit for controlling whether the job can be executed and a display unit for displaying information, and the correspondence between the attribute of the fixing unit mounted in the mounting unit and the type of recording material used in the job. In the display unit, when a preceding job not included in the above and a succeeding job in which the attribute of the fixing unit mounted in the mounting unit and the type of recording material used in the job have a correspondence relationship are input . A first image forming mode in which the succeeding job is executed earlier than the preceding job without replacing the fixing unit mounted in the mounting unit; and the fixing unit mounted in the mounting unit. It is possible to select one of a second image forming mode in which the preceding job is executed prior to the succeeding job by replacing the preceding job with the fixing unit that is in correspondence with the type of recording material of the preceding job. Is characterized by.

According to the present invention, it is possible to prompt the operator to select whether or not to change the order of executing jobs in an image forming apparatus that can be used by exchanging a fixing unit according to a recording material on which an image is formed. As a result, it is possible to meet various demands of the operator.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an example of an image forming system using an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing replacement of a fixing device in the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of software modules used in the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1. FIGS. 3A and 3B are diagrams for explaining a screen for registering the attributes of the fixing device displayed on the operation unit shown in FIG. 2, where FIG. 7A is a diagram showing an example of a fixing device attribute registration screen, and FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of a registration/details screen. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a list (fixer management table) stored in a data storage unit shown in FIG. 4. 6 is a flowchart for explaining display of a caution message performed by the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 4. It is a figure which shows an example of the caution message displayed by the display of the caution message shown in FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a printing process performed by the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a print start confirmation screen displayed on the operation unit in the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a printing process performed by the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a printable paper registration screen displayed on the operation unit in the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a printing process performed by the image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a print/save confirmation screen displayed on the operation unit in the image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a printing process performed by the image forming apparatus according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. 16 is a flowchart for explaining a fixing device replacement time calculation process shown in FIG. 15. FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of a fixing device replacement screen displayed on the operation unit in the image forming apparatus according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a printing process performed by the image forming apparatus according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. 19 is a flowchart for explaining the processing for the next print job shown in FIG. 18. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a printable job screen displayed on the operation unit in the image forming apparatus according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

An example of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
<System configuration>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an example of an image forming system in which an example of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention is used.

The image forming system 100 has an image forming apparatus (for example, an MFP) 102, and a client terminal 101 is connected to the image forming apparatus 102 via a network 103 such as a LAN. The user operates the application on the client terminal 101, and the image forming apparatus 102 prints. Although only one client terminal 101 is shown in the illustrated example, a plurality of client terminals 101 may be connected to the network 103.

<Structure of image forming apparatus>
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the image forming apparatus 102 shown in FIG.

The image forming apparatus 102 includes a controller 201, a printer engine 202, a scanner 203, and an operation unit 204. The controller 201 has a central processing unit (CPU) 205, and the CPU 205 has a reader interface (reader I/F) 206, a network I/F 207, a memory 208, a hard disk drive (HDD) 209 via a system bus 211. , And the engine I/F 210 are connected. The CPU 205 controls the entire image forming apparatus 102. The memory 208 is used as a temporary storage area when the image forming apparatus 102 operates, and is also used as a work memory of the CPU 205.

The HDD 209 is a large-capacity storage device, and stores various control programs executed by the CPU 205. The network interface (I/F) 207 communicates with other devices such as the client terminal 101 via the network 103 under the control of the CPU 205. The engine I/F 210 communicates with the printer engine 202 under the control of the CPU 205. Further, the reader I/F 206 communicates with the scanner 203 and the operation unit 204 under the control of the CPU 205.

The printer engine 202 receives image data from the controller 201 via the engine I/F 210, and forms an image (for example, a toner image) on a sheet according to the image data. The printer engine includes a paper feed unit, a photosensitive drum, an intermediate transfer belt, and a transfer roller (neither is shown), and further, a fixing device 213 is connected via a port 212.

The fixing device 213 is for fixing the toner image (toner image) formed on the sheet, and has a heater 214 and a fixing unit sensor 215 for controlling the fixing temperature. Further, the fixing device 213 has a fixing device attachment/detachment detection sensor 216 and a fixing device identification device 217. The fixing device attachment/detachment detection sensor 216 is a sensor for detecting removal of the fixing device from the image forming apparatus 102. The fixing device identification device 217 is a device for identifying the fixing device mounted on the image forming apparatus 102.

For example, the fixing device identification device 217 is a nonvolatile memory incorporated in the fixing device 213, and an ID (identification code) determined for each fixing device is written in the nonvolatile memory.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing replacement of the fixing device 213 in the image forming apparatus shown in FIG.

When replacing the fixing device 213, the operator replaces the fixing device 213 by grasping the handle 301 formed on the upper portion of the fixing device 213 and pulling the fixing device 213 forward.

In the following description, the image forming apparatus 102 uses toner as a color material to perform printing by an electrophotographic process, but a method other than the electrophotographic process, for example, a method. Other methods such as an inkjet method may be used.

As described above, the scanner 203 and the operation unit 204 are connected to the CPU 205 via the reader I/F) 206. The scanner 203 reads a document set on a document table (not shown) or the like and generates image data. Then, the image data is sent from the scanner 203 to the controller 201. The operation unit 204 has, for example, buttons, a keyboard, and a touch panel, and the operator gives various operation instructions to the image forming apparatus 102 using the operation unit 204.

<Software module configuration>
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a software module used in the image forming apparatus 102 shown in FIG.

The illustrated software module is loaded into the memory 208 shown in FIG. 2 and executed on the CPU 205. The print job receiving unit 401 receives the print job transmitted from the client terminal 101 via the network I/F 207. Then, the print job receiving unit 401 temporarily stores the print job in the data storage unit 403 defined in the memory 208.

The print job development unit 402 analyzes the print job stored in the data storage unit 403, then develops the print job from the data storage unit 403 and passes it to the PDL interpreter 406. The PDL interpreter 406 expands PDL (Page Description Language) data included in the print job and converts it into an intermediate data format.

Here, the PDL data is, for example, a PDF (Portable Document Format) of Adobe System Incorporated. The RIP processing unit 407 receives the intermediate data format from the PDL interpreter 406, performs RIP processing, and converts it into image data. Then, the RIP processing unit 407 temporarily stores the image data in the data storage unit 403.

The control unit 405 generates a control command for the printer engine 202 with respect to the image data stored in the data storage unit 403. Then, the control unit 405 sends the control command to the printer engine 202 via the engine I/F 210. The image data transmission unit 404 transmits the image data to the printer engine 202 via the engine I/F 210. As a result, the printer engine 202 executes printing according to the image data. In this way, the image forming apparatus 102 executes printing according to the print job input from the client terminal 101.

<Switching fixing unit>
Here, switching processing of a plurality of types of fixing devices will be described.

The fixing device 213 shown in FIG. 2 is detachably connected to the printer engine 202 provided in the image forming apparatus 102 (that is, the fixing device 213 is selectively attached to the image forming apparatus 102). Note that the fixing device 213 includes a plurality of types of fixing devices, and here, any one of the plurality of types of fixing devices is attached to the printer engine 202.

For example, there are a normal fixing device and an envelope fixing device as a plurality of types of fixing devices, and the normal fixing device is used when printing on normal paper different from the envelope. On the other hand, the envelope fixing device is a dedicated fixing device used when printing on an envelope. In the envelope fixing device, the pressure roller (not shown) and the fixing film (not shown) are made thin so that the holding pressure of the envelope is made low and folds are less likely to occur.

Since the envelope fixing device has a structure specialized for envelopes, when it is used for fixing paper other than the envelope, the toner is weakly applied. Therefore, the envelope fixing device is used only for printing envelopes, and the normal fixing device is used for ordinary paper other than envelopes.

Further, when printing is performed continuously using the same size paper, scratches that cause output unevenness may occur in the fixing device. For this reason. In the market where continuous printing is performed using paper of the same size, an operator normally uses different fixing devices to perform printing according to the paper size. Therefore, in the image forming apparatus 102, each fixing device can be identified by the port 212. That is, the port 212 is provided for each fixing device.

As described above, the printer engine 202 includes the port 212 used as a fixing device identifying unit that identifies the type of the fixing device 213 attached to the printer engine 202. When the fixing unit 213 is attached to the printer engine 202, the printer engine 202 detects that the fixing unit 213 is attached by the fixing unit attachment/detachment detection sensor 216 via the port 212. Then, the printer engine 202 outputs the ID registered in the fixing device identification device 217 to the control unit 405 as a fixing device identification signal.

For example, when the envelope fixing device is attached to the printer engine 202, the printer engine 202 outputs the identification signal of the envelope fixing device as the fixing device identification signal to the control unit 405 via the port 212. The control unit 405 recognizes the image forming apparatus 102, that is, the fixing device attached to the printer engine 202, based on the fixing device identification signal. Here, there are a plurality of types of fixing device identification signals, which are unique to the fixing device.

When recognizing the fixing device mounted on the printer engine 202, a method other than the above method may be used. For example, the printer engine 202 may physically identify the fixing device by a notch or the like and send the identification result to the control unit 405.

<Register fixing device>
Next, a registration process of printable paper for each fixing device will be described. Here, the printable paper refers to a printable paper type and paper size, and a plurality of types of registration can be performed for one fixing device. The control unit 405 displays the fixing unit mounted on the printer engine 202 on the operation unit 204, as described later.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a screen for registering the attributes of the fixing device displayed on the operation unit 204 shown in FIG. 5A is a diagram showing an example of the fixing device attribute registration screen, and FIG. 5B is a diagram showing an example of the fixing device attribute registration/details screen.

The operation unit 204 allows the operator to register the name of the fixing device and the paper used for printing. In the fuser attribute registration screen shown in FIG. 5A, if the fuser 213 mounted on the printer engine 202 is already registered, the control unit 405 registers the fuser 213 based on the fuser identification signal. Display as completed. Here, the registered fixing device is displayed surrounded by a double square 501. On the other hand, if the fixing device 213 is not registered, the operator presses the unregistered button 502 to register the fixing device.

When the A4/A3 fuser is selected on the fuser attribute registration screen shown in FIG. 5A, the control unit 405 displays the fuser attribute registration/detail screen shown in FIG. It is displayed at 204. Then, the operator can register the details of the attribute of the fixing device on the fixing device attribute registration/detail screen.

In the illustrated example, "00000003" is registered as the ID, "A4/A3 fixing device" is registered as the name, and "A3 plain paper, A4 plain paper, and A4 plain paper, and A4 plain paper as printable media (printable paper). "Coated paper" is registered. The control unit 405 recognizes the fixing device identification signal (that is, ID), the name 503, and the printable paper 504 on the fixing device attribute registration/detail screen. Then, the control unit 405 registers and manages the fixing device identification signal and its printable paper in the list (fixing device management table) stored in the data storage unit 403.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a list (fixer management table) stored in the data storage unit 403 shown in FIG.

The illustrated fixing device management table 600 stores a fixing device identification signal (ID) 601, a fixing device name 602, and printable paper (paper size 603 and paper type 604). In the case of a fixing device such as an envelope fixing device that supports special paper, the registration data “envelope” stored as an initial value in advance in the data storage unit 403 is registered when the fixing device is mounted for the first time. It On the other hand, in the case of the normal fixing device, the printable paper and the information (ID and name) relating to the fixing device input by the operator are added to the fixing device management table 600 by the control unit 405.

Further, the control unit 405 can confirm the fixing device currently mounted on the printer engine 202 via the printer engine 202. Further, the control unit 405 can search the fixing device management table according to the fixing device identification signal of the fixing device currently mounted on the printer engine 202, obtain the name, and display the name on the operation unit 204. ..

<Paper settings for paper tray>
The paper used for printing can be set by the tray paper setting of each paper feed tray in the operation unit 204. Then, the control unit 405 can confirm the paper set in each paper feed stage.

<Display of caution message>
FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the display of the caution message performed by the image forming apparatus 102 shown in FIG.

When printing is started, the print job receiving unit 401 confirms whether a print job is input from the client terminal 101 (step S701). If no print job is input (NO to the step S701), the print job receiving unit 401 waits. When a print job is input (YES in step S701), the print job development unit 402 confirms the paper setting (job paper setting) in the print job (step S702). Here, the paper setting refers to the paper type and paper size set for the print job.

Subsequently, the control unit 405 confirms the fixing device 213 attached to the printer engine 202. Here, the control unit 405 searches the fixing device management table 600 based on the fixing device identification signal obtained from the printer engine 202, and printable paper is registered in the fixing device currently attached to the printer engine 202 ( It is confirmed whether or not it has been designated (step S703).

When printable paper is registered in the fuser on the fixer management table 600 (YES in step S703), the control unit 405 determines whether the print job paper setting exists on the printable paper in the fuser. Is confirmed (step S704). When the paper setting of the print job exists on the printable paper in the fixing device (YES in step S704), the control unit 405 performs printing according to the paper setting set in the paper feed stage (step S706). Then, the control unit 405 ends the printing.

If there is no print job paper setting for the printable paper in the fixing device (NO in step S<b>704 ), the control unit 405 stops printing the print job, and the operation unit 204 sets the fixing device paper setting to the print job. A caution message notifying that the paper setting is different is displayed (step S705). Then, the control unit 405 cancels the print job and ends the printing.

If no printable paper is registered in the fixing device on the fixing device management table 600 (NO in step S703), the control unit 405 performs printing according to the print job (step S707). Then, the control unit 405 ends the printing.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a caution message displayed by displaying the caution message shown in FIG.

In the example shown in the figure, the warning message 801 displays the message “Fixer needs to be replaced” and the paper settings (paper type and paper size) in the print job. Further, the type of the fixing device attached to the printer engine 202 (here, the envelope fixing device) is displayed. As a result, the operator can know from the caution message 801 that the setting of the print job is different from that of the fixing device mounted on the printer engine 202.

As described above, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the paper setting set in the print job and the printable paper registered in the fixing device are checked to determine whether the fixing device suitable for the paper is used. Determine whether. Then, the operator is alerted according to the determination result. This allows the operator to execute printing without having to worry about whether the fixing device suitable for the print job is attached to the image forming apparatus (that is, the printer engine).

[Second Embodiment]
Next, an image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment has the same configuration as the image forming apparatus shown in FIGS.

In the first embodiment, if the paper setting of the print job is not included in the printable paper of the fuser currently installed in the printer engine 202, the print job is stopped and a caution message is displayed. did. Then, after displaying the caution message, the print job is canceled. As a result, it is possible to avoid a situation in which a fold is generated in the envelope and a situation in which toner is not completely attached when a sheet other than the envelope is used.

On the other hand, in the case of printing that does not require image quality, such as when confirming the layout of a print job, some operators desire to continue printing. Therefore, in the second embodiment, after displaying the caution message, the operator is asked to confirm whether or not to print.

<Resume printing>
FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the printing process performed by the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In the flowchart shown in the figure, the same steps as those in the flowchart shown in FIG. 7 are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

After displaying the caution message in step 705, the control unit 405 confirms whether or not to print (step S901). Here, when the next button shown in FIG. 8 is pressed, the control unit 405 displays a print start confirmation screen on the operation unit 204.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a print start confirmation screen displayed on the operation unit 204 in the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

On the print start confirmation screen (print confirmation message), "print as it is" and "cancel" are displayed. The operator sees the print start confirmation screen and determines whether or not to print the print job. When "print" is selected on the print start confirmation screen (YES in step S901), the control unit 405 performs printing by the print job without replacing the fixing device (step S902). Then, the control unit 405 ends the printing. On the other hand, if “do not print” is selected (NO in step S906), the control unit 405 cancels the print job and ends printing.

As described above, according to the second embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to continue printing even when the paper setting of the print job is not included in the printable paper of the fuser currently mounted in the printer engine 202. The desired operator can print.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, an image forming apparatus according to the third exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described. The image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment has the same configuration as the image forming apparatus shown in FIGS.

The caution message displayed on the operation unit 204 is displayed according to the printable paper setting of the fixing device registered in advance by the operator. In the third embodiment, when a printable sheet that has not been registered in advance is printed using the fixing device mounted on the printer engine 202, the sheet setting set in the print job for the fixing device is registered.

<Addition of printable paper>
FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the printing process performed by the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. In the illustrated flowchart, the same steps as those in the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 7 and 9 are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

After printing in step 902, the control unit 405 confirms whether or not to additionally register the paper setting of the print job as the printable paper of the fixing device currently installed in the printer engine 202 (step S1101). Here, when the next button shown in FIG. 10 is pressed, the control unit 405 displays the printable paper registration screen on the operation unit 204.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a printable paper registration screen displayed on the operation unit 204 in the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

The printable paper registration screen (registration confirmation message) displays the ID, the name, the printable paper, and a message asking whether to register the paper set in the print job. Then, if the “No” button is pressed, the control unit 405 cancels the registration. On the other hand, when the “Yes” button is pressed, the control unit 405 performs registration.

When the "Yes" button is selected on the printable paper registration screen (YES in step S1101), the control unit 405 searches the fixing device management table 600 based on the ID and sets the paper setting set in the print job to It is registered in association with the fixing device (step S1111). Then, the control unit 405 ends the printing. On the other hand, when the “No” button is selected on the printable paper registration screen (NO in step S1101), control unit 405 ends printing.

As described above, in the third embodiment of the present invention, after the operator who wants to continue the printing has performed the printing, the paper set in the print job is associated with the fixing device used in the printing. You can register.

[Fourth Embodiment]
Next, an image forming apparatus according to the fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described. The image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment has the same configuration as that of the image forming apparatus shown in FIGS.

In the first embodiment described above, the control unit 405 cancels the print job after displaying the caution message. In this case, in order to execute the print job, the operator needs to input the print job again. Therefore, here, when the caution message is displayed, the print job can be saved so that the trouble of inputting the print job again can be omitted.

<Holding print jobs>
FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining the print processing performed by the image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. In the flowchart shown in the figure, the same steps as those in the flowchart shown in FIG. 7 are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

After displaying the caution message on the operation unit 204 in step S705, the control unit 405 confirms whether to print or save the print job (step S1301). Here, when the next button shown in FIG. 8 is pressed, the control unit 405 displays a print/save confirmation screen on the operation unit 204.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a print/save confirmation screen displayed on the operation unit 204 in the image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

On the print/save confirmation screen (save message), “print as is”, “cancel”, and “pend until replaced” are displayed. The operator sees the print/save confirmation screen and determines whether to print or save the print job. When "print as it is" is selected on the print/save confirmation screen, although not shown, printing is performed as described in the first embodiment.

When “Cancel” is selected (NO in step S1301), control unit 405 cancels the print job and ends printing. On the other hand, if “pending until replaced” is selected (YES in step S1301), the control unit 405 stores the print job in the hold queue (step S1302). Then, the control unit 405 ends the printing.

Although the print job is stored in the hold queue here, for example, the print job may be stored in a dedicated queue that automatically starts printing without re-inputting the print job after replacing the fixing device. Good.

As described above, in the fourth embodiment of the present invention, since the print job can be saved after displaying the caution message, it is possible to save the trouble of inputting the print job again.

[Fifth Embodiment]
Next, an image forming apparatus according to the fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described. The image forming apparatus according to the fifth embodiment has the same configuration as that of the image forming apparatus shown in FIGS. 2 and 4.

After the caution message is displayed in the above-described first embodiment, the operator may replace the fixing device. However, because of printing, the fixing device has an extremely high temperature. Therefore, the operator cannot replace the fixing device until the temperature of the fixing device decreases. Therefore, here, after displaying the caution message, the time until the fixing device can be replaced is displayed so that the operator can select whether or not to continue printing.

<Holding print jobs>
FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining the print processing performed by the image forming apparatus according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. In the flowchart shown in the figure, the same steps as those in the flowchart shown in FIG. 7 are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

After displaying the caution message on the operation unit 204 in step S705, the control unit 405 calculates the replacement time, which is the time until the fixing device can be replaced (step S1501).

FIG. 16 is a flowchart for explaining the calculation process of the fixing device replacement time shown in FIG.

When the fixing device replacement time calculation process is started, the control unit 405 confirms the state of the image forming apparatus 102 (step S1601). For example, the control unit 405 confirms whether the image forming apparatus 102 is printing. And that it is printing. Since the fixing device cannot be immediately replaced, the control unit 405 calculates the time (end time) at which the job being printed ends. Here, it is assumed that the image forming apparatus 102 is in a printing state or an idle state.

As the state of the image forming apparatus 102, in addition to printing and idling, a power saving state in which the temperature of the fixing device is different may be added. In the image forming apparatus 102, the fixing device is warmed to a temperature required for fixing so that printing can be performed both during printing and during idle. On the other hand, when the image forming apparatus 102 is in the power saving state (or immediately after returning from the power saving state), the fixing device 213 is not energized, so the temperature of the fixing device 213 is low.

Subsequently, the control unit 405 confirms whether or not there is a job being printed in the image forming apparatus 102 (step S1602). When there is a print job (YES in step S1602), the control unit 405 displays the time until printing is completed (print end time) on the operation unit 204 (step S1603). Then, the control unit 405 displays the time (cooling time) required for the fixing device to cool to a predetermined temperature on the operation unit 204 (step S1604). Then, the control unit 405 proceeds to the process of step S1502 shown in FIG.

On the other hand, when there is no print job (NO in step S1602), the control unit 405 displays the time required for the fixing device to cool on the operation unit 204 (step S1605). Then, the control unit 405 proceeds to the process of step S1502 shown in FIG.

Referring again to FIG. 15, control unit 405 displays a fixing device replacement screen for confirming whether or not to replace the fixing device on operation unit 204, and confirms whether or not to replace the fixing device (step SS1502). ..

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a fuser replacement screen displayed on the operation unit 204 in the image forming apparatus according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

On the fuser replacement screen (replacement message), "print as it is", "cancel", "pend until replaced", and "replace now" are displayed. The operator sees the fixing device replacement screen and determines whether to print, store, or replace the print job. When "print as it is" is selected on the fixing device replacement screen, although not shown, printing is performed as described in the second embodiment.

When “Cancel” is selected (NO in step S1502), control unit 405 cancels the print job and ends printing. On the other hand, when “pending until replaced” is selected, although not shown, the control unit 405 stores the print job in the hold queue as described in the fourth embodiment. Then, the control unit 405 ends the printing.

The printing end time 1701 and the cooling time 1702 described above are displayed in association with “replace now”. The operator refers to the print end time 1701 and the cooling time 1702 displayed on this screen to determine whether to replace the fixing device. When "replace now" is selected (YES in step S1502), the control unit 405 displays on the operation unit 204 that replacement is possible after the sum of the print end time 1701 and the cooling time 1702 (step S1503). Then, the control unit 405 ends the printing.

As described above, in the fifth embodiment of the present invention, since the time until the fixing device can be replaced is displayed, the operator can easily select whether or not to continue printing. ..

[Sixth Embodiment]
Next, an image forming apparatus according to the sixth exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described. The configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the sixth embodiment is similar to that of the image forming apparatus shown in FIGS. 2 and 4.

In the first embodiment, it has been described that the number of print jobs input from the client terminal 101 is one. However, actually, a plurality of print jobs may be submitted. In this case, even if the paper setting in the first print job is not included in the printable paper of the fixing device, the paper setting of the next print job may be included in the printable paper of the fixing device. In such a case, the operator cannot confirm that there is a print job that can be printed using the fixing device currently installed in the printer engine 202.

Therefore, here, when there is a subsequent print job when the caution message is displayed, if the paper setting of the print job exists in the printable paper of the fixing device, the operator prints the subsequent print job first. Confirm whether to do.

<Skip print job>
FIG. 18 is a flowchart for explaining the print processing performed by the image forming apparatus according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. In the flowchart shown in the figure, the same steps as those in the flowchart shown in FIG. 7 are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

After displaying the caution message on the operation unit 204 in step S705, the control unit 405 confirms whether or not there is a next print job (that is, an unprocessed print job) (step S1801). If the next print job does not exist (NO in step S1801), control unit 405 ends printing. On the other hand, if the next print job exists (YES in step S1801), the control unit 405 processes the next print job (step S1802).

FIG. 19 is a flowchart for explaining the process for the next print job shown in FIG.

When the next print job process is started, the print job development unit 402 confirms the paper setting for the next print job (step S1901). Subsequently, the control unit 405 confirms the fixing device 213 attached to the printer engine 202 (step S1902). Here, the control unit 405 searches the fixing unit management table 600 based on the fixing unit identification signal obtained from the printer engine 202, and the sheet setting of the next print job is set to the fixing unit currently attached to the printer engine 202. Check if it is on the printable paper of the container.

When the paper setting of the print job exists on the printable paper of the fixing device (YES in step S1902), control unit 405 performs printing indicating that there is a subsequent print job that can be printed without replacing the fixing device. The available jobs screen is displayed on the operation unit 204 (step S1903).

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of a printable job screen displayed on the operation unit 204 in the image forming apparatus according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

On the printable job screen (execution confirmation message), "Print as is", "Cancel", "Pending until replacement", "Replace now", and "Optimal job are next submitted" "Print the job first" is displayed. The operator sees the printable job screen and determines whether to print, save, or replace the print job. When "Print as is" is selected on the printable job screen, although not shown, printing is performed on the first print as described in the second embodiment.

When “Cancel” is selected (NO in step S1502), control unit 405 cancels the first print job and the next print job. On the other hand, if “pending until replaced” is selected, although not shown, the control unit 405 stores the first print job and the next print job in the hold queue as described in the fourth embodiment. To do.

When “Replace now” is selected, the control unit 405 displays on the operation unit 204 that the replacement will be possible after the sum of the print end time 1701 and the cooling time 1702, as described above. Further, when “the most suitable job has been submitted next. Print that job first” is selected, the control unit 405 executes printing for the next print job.

Subsequently, the control unit 405 further confirms whether all the subsequent print jobs have been processed (step S1904). If all the print jobs have not been processed (NO in step S1904), the control unit 405 returns to the process of step S1901 and processes the subsequent print jobs. On the other hand, if all print jobs have been processed (YES in step S1904), the control unit 405 ends printing.

As described above, in the sixth embodiment of the present invention, when the subsequent print job exists, and the sheet setting of the print job exists in the printable sheet of the fixing device, the operator prints the subsequent print job first. Can be printed.

Although the present invention has been described above based on the embodiments, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various embodiments within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention are also included in the present invention. ..

For example, the functions of the above-described embodiments may be used as a control method, and the image forming apparatus may be caused to execute this control method. Further, a program having the functions of the above-described embodiments may be used as a control program, and the control program may be executed by a computer included in the image forming apparatus. The control program is recorded in, for example, a computer-readable recording medium.

The present invention is also realized by executing the following processing. That is, software (program) that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or various recording media, and the computer (or CPU, MPU, etc.) of the system or device reads the program. Is a process to be executed.

102 image forming apparatus 201 controller 202 printer engine 203 scanner 204 operation unit 205 CPU
208 memory 213 fixing device 214 heater 216 fixing device detachment detection sensor

Claims (3)

An image forming unit that forms an image on a recording material according to a job input,
The fixing unit having the first attribute for fixing the image formed by the image forming unit to the recording material of the first type, and the image formed by the image forming unit is different from the first type. A mounting unit to which any one of a plurality of fixing units including a fixing unit having a second attribute for fixing to two types of recording materials is removably mounted;
A control unit for controlling whether or not the job can be executed based on the attribute of the fixing unit mounted on the mounting unit and the type of recording material used in the job;
A display section for displaying information,
The preceding job in which the attribute of the fixing unit mounted on the mounting unit and the type of recording material used in the job do not correspond to each other, and the attribute of the fixing unit mounted on the mounting unit and the recording used in the job When a subsequent job having a corresponding relationship with the type of material is input, the succeeding job that is subsequent to the preceding job is replaced on the display unit without replacing the fixing unit mounted on the mounting unit. The first image forming mode in which the job is executed first, and the fixing unit mounted in the mounting unit is replaced with the fixing unit having a correspondence relationship with the type of the recording material of the preceding job to replace the succeeding job. An image forming apparatus capable of selecting any one of a second image forming mode in which the preceding job is executed first. The control unit causes the display unit to display an option for executing the first image forming mode and an option for executing the second image forming mode. Image forming apparatus. Any one of the first image forming mode, the second image forming mode, and the third image forming mode in which the preceding job is executed before the succeeding job without replacing the fixing unit is performed on the display unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is selectable.